Experiences with Lamictal?

[Erika_Lou]

After flip-flopping with my Psych about me needing a mood stabilizer vs. an anti-depressant, 5 years ago I went on Depakote for nearly 4 years.....stopped.....things seemed fine, and so I started through the entire gamut of anti-depressants for the past 2 years and NOTHING has worked.
I am miserable and depressed and SO irritable all the time and alienating everyone around me because of these crazy outbursts I have.
I don't want to "admit" that I may have Bipolar 2 - which was what was originally thought years ago - Not sure why....I guess I just am sick of being on meds....none of which seem to help. I am SO frustrated.
I was speaking with my therapist yesterday who mentioned I bring up Lamictal to my psych when i see her this week.
I have never tried this med, and am not even sure if this is the route I will go in, but if anyone has been on, or is on Lamictal, how does it help with the mood stabilizing? What are the side effects? Just any general info would be great. Thanks so much for reading.....I am SO sick and tired of being sick (in the head) and tired.
                                                    ***ERIKA LOU***

[Libra77]

Hands down the BEST medication for bipolar - I feel better literally the same day I start it. Only problem is this is my second attempt after 2 years as the first time I broke out in acne on my face especially after increasing to 50MG - and am now breaking out again :((( I've been reading that the acne is different to the dreaded skin rash and only happens on your face. Please advise? Although I am not happy about my beautiful skin getting acne, this drug is the best thing I have ever been on - been on antidepressants: zoloft, effexor, etc which causes crashes and mania as they are anti-depressants not mood stabilisers. Neurontin did nothing. Serequal bad reaction. Abilify HORRID stuff! So only other option is Lithium which apparently makes you emotionally dead (so nice to have normal emotions on lamictal, zoloft also either makes you feel dead inside or over emotional). Anyone else had the same break outs on this and were fine? Also wondering if I can just stop on 50MG? My body is fine with small doses of things - thanks!

[crzychick]

I'm on it and it works good for me.  I'm at the 300 mg level and I take it once a day at bedtime.

The rash that is talked about happens if you up the doseage too fast (it's very rare).  I was given a starter pack.  As long as you keep to the schedule and don't increase faster than you are supposed to you will be ok.  Watch for blister like rash on the torso.  If that would happen stop the med and go to the ER.  The Pdoc should go over all that with you and if s/he forgets bring it up.  I think also that if you miss 3 days that you have to start over in stepping up so make sure you take them.  I don't remember all the facts about that part of it.  I have a pill case by my bed and I take my pills right before I turn out the light.

To PYRATE - lucky you that you got the increase in sex drive.  lol.  

[MeShellneedshelp]

I love Lamictal i've been on it for 2 yr.s now 400mg at bedtime I've been on EVERYTHING for MANY yr.s try this, try that and this was it for me, i feel the best i've ever felt in my life....honestly! i never really knew how bad i was since i finally started to feel right- right with myself/my head/my moods etc....there is a chance of a serious rash which you would notice right away but the dr. slowly increases you to decrease chance of rash..i don't know if it's just me but i've notice lately minor breakouts my skin has always been good it's not bad or horrible yet noone or dr. has an answer if it cause's breakouts acne whatever

[Kathym1957]

If you get a skin rash - see a doctor immediately.  You are allegric and this stuff can kill you.  It almost did me.

[Pyrate]

I have been on Lamictal for a long time now and it helps me greatly.  It had some side effects in the beginning tho.  Increase in sexdrive, appetite fluxtuation, insomnia, and mild dehydration were mine.  Every drug effects everybody differently tho.  I haven't had any long term side effects from this drug.  The problems I had were very temporary, 2-3 weeks at most.  The drug helps you by leveling you off so you don't have extremes in mood.  If you start it soon, you'll find that you have 1-2 extreme episodes but soon you will platue to a point that is very managable.  Good luck and I hope you find what you're looking for.    Shane

[Barb925]

I have taken Lamictal for the past two years and I love it. It does help with my mood swings. I take 150mg twice a day. I am not an expert or a Psych dr,.but it is worth trying and see how you do on it. Please keep me posted.

Barb